Francona unsure whether Perez's legal issues will affect his return

NEW YORK, June 6 (UPI) -- Cleveland Indians Manager Terry Francona said it is uncertain whether closer Chris Perez's potential legal issues will affect his return from the disabled list.

Federal authorities are investigating Perez, 27, after a delivery of suspected illegal drugs was made to his home, police said. He could face drug possession charges after a search Tuesday at the Rocky River, Ohio, home he and his wife rent, the (Cleveland) Plain Dealer reported Thursday.

Francona -- speaking Wednesday in New York prior to a game against the Yankees -- said he called Perez Wednesday morning at his home, MLB.com reported.

"I just wanted to make sure he was OK. Other than that, we can't, I can't (comment). We just have to allow the process to unfold," Francona said.

"I honestly don't know [about Perez's return from the 15-day disabled list]," he said. "Let's not only go one day at a time, let's go one hour at a time."

Rocky River police Chief Kelly Stillman said Wednesday police, U.S. Postal service inspectors and the West Shore Enforcement Bureau -- a northern Ohio SWAT team -- found a "controlled delivery of drugs" to Perez home in the Cleveland suburb. Police said the substance is suspected to be marijuana.

Perez has not been arrested, and there is no connection between him and Major League Baseball's investigation of players allegedly using performance-enhancing drugs and their links to a Miami-area clinic, the Plain Dealer said.

Perez has converted six of eight save opportunities this season, compiling a 4.32 ERA in 17 appearances.

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